Page 57 of Zach
“It’s Friday night. You should head home. There’s no reason to work late. The boss is already
impressed.”
She flicks me a glance. “I’m thrilled.”
I want to take her by the arm and march her down to the car. That’s not me. I don’t manhandle. I
flatter and flirt and wrap women around my finger. Except for this woman. “Maya, let’s go home.”
She drops the papers and pins me with her gaze. “You are my employer, not my father. Why are
you insisting on ordering me around? Most bosses would be thrilled to have an employee stay later.
Aren’t you glad I’m so dedicated?”
“We don’t require anyone to work overtime here. That’s not what we’re about.”
“Oh, well, that’s nice to know. Have a great weekend.” Then she lowers her head back to layouts,
and completely tunes out my presence.
“We’re your ride, Maya. How are you supposed to get home.”
She snorts, “There’s an app for that. Besides, I’m not going home. I have plans.”
“What plans?” I wish I could call it back. The demand is clear in my voice. And as oblivious as
she is, she hears it. I can tell by the tightness in her shoulders.
Her eyes are hard, her gaze firm. “Goodnight Mr. Lee. Have a lovely weekend.”
I’ve been dismissed. She’s done it with a finality that unsettles me. Curling my hands into fists, I
battle my instincts. Why the fuck does it matter if she stays late? She’s a grown woman. And she’s not
my responsibility. With a muted snarl, I turn and stalk back to the elevator, stabbing the call button
with way more force than necessary. I stare at the closed doors, determined to push her out of my
mind, but like a fucking pussy, I glance over to see if she’s watching me. Nope, she’s not.
Stepping onto the elevator, I spin and glare at her, willing her to look up. Finally, just before the
doors close, she looks up and, with a smile that takes my breath away, lunges for the remains of her
muffin.
Even the fucking muffin gets a smile.
I’m in a shitty mood as I exit the elevator to the lobby, but seeing Jonas, head dropped on Cara’s
shoulder as she hugs him, chases away all thoughts of the maddening woman upstairs. I freeze, eyes
darting from the back of Jonas’s head to Cara’s face. Something in her gaze reassures me that he’s
ok…mostly.
Jonas raises his head, “Thank you, Cara,” he says quietly. I join them, bumping my shoulder
